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The Farm Bill that passed in 2002, a piece of legislation, which privileged subsidies for agro-industry over funding for conservation and nutrition programs, has only, worsened the situation.
Government subsidies are provided mostly to producers of five major cash crops (corn, wheat, rice, soy, and cotton), which can be transformed into domestic food product, exported worldwide, and used as feed for factory farm animals. However, what does the government do with the surplus supply of certain cash crops?
It helps use the extra corn and soy by refining it into various super-sugars and vegetable-derived trans fats. So in the real sense America walks, talks, sleeps, CORN. It remains one important ingredient of processed foods as unmodified starch, glucose syrup, malto dextrin.
As High fructose corn syrup it is used in cold drinks making them full of trans fats. Chicken is eaten with relish and corn forms chicken feed. The surplus of corn that is created goes back into making processed foods that are now cheaper than fresh fruits and veggies, making all of us fatter.
Instead the farm bill should be focusing on diversity in cultivation and programs for land conservation. Farmers still don’t get paid enough to feed their families despite twenty billion dollars worth of government subsidization.
Therefore, the need is to exert pressure, where by the new food bill in 2008 has relevant changes for a healthier nation. You could help yourself with a healthier choices about the food you buy, and make it a priority to support local farmers and sustainable producers.
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